Education in The Bahamas is regulated by the Ministry of Education and it has a school system. It is based on the British system, which implies that the calendar and curriculum will be easily recognizable to people from North America or Great Britain.
Every child from 5 to 16 must attend an institute in The Bahamas and the options (roughly) fall into three categories: government, independent, usually Christian and other systems and schools from other countries. The three International schools in The Bahamas are regarded by most parents as the best schools provided tuition is not an issue.
Communities are selected based on the school, and since many families reside in gated communities or different, relatively isolated islands, this is the case.
If the local Bahamianan institute is not for you or if perhaps you only plan to be in the country for a short while. Then you may want to enrol your children in one of the international schools that will have your children prepared to transfer from one school to another in different countries.
A comparison between public Schools and Private Ones
In one of the Bahamian schools education is provided freely and every child has to attend school in the age group of 5 to 16 years. Other social indicators are reasonable with the Bahamas’ literacy rate standing at 95. 7% and 91. 9% of children in school.
There are 210 schools in total on the islands. However, 160 of these are government-controlled. Shortage of funds has led to a decline in the reputation of public schools especially those found in the densely populated areas of Nassau.
That makes many of the expatriates opt for any of the 55 private schools that are found here.
Most of the private schools are still affiliated with a certain denomination of a particular religion other than the international schools. Sometimes this is more historical but others will get religion and compulsory worship. They include the following:
Lyford Cay International School
This day school which is affiliated to the very affluent community of the same name is one of the most outstanding IB schools in the Caribbean region. This is the only international school in the Bahamas to provide the full International Baccalaureate programme.
Since its inception in 1962, Lyford Cay International School has grown significantly. It was established by E. P. Taylor who bought the island of New Providence with a vision of building luxury homes.
St. Andrew’s International School
This top private school has been delivering the IB program (primary and diploma programs) for a longer time than any other school in The Bahamas.
The students of both sexes utilize the facilities that have been owned by the school since 1970. St. Andrew’s is located on the eastern shore of New Providence island in Yamacraw, between Palm Cay. A popular gated community, and Nassau’s central business district.
Lucaya International School
Established on the outskirts of Freeport, Lucaya International School is the best private school in Grand Bahama. It is also the newest international school in The Bahamas in terms of establishment.
Tambearly School in Sandyport
This school situated on the western part of New Providence Island was established in 1985 to provide an American-styled education that prepares students for a U. S. High School Diploma.
Out of the 175 pupils, 35% are international pupils. Tambearly cost per year is between $4,365 and $14,910 for tuition.
For the academic year 2019-2020, they hope to finish a high school expansion that will take the offerings up to grade 12 level and more AP classes.
The Island School on the island of Eleuthera
International high school students come here for the study abroad semester. The concept is therefore based on an integration of outdoor education, an innovative course, and an emphasis on athletic activities. Two activities that students can engage in in this diverse list are scuba diving and sailing. The Island School collaborates with the Cape Eleuthera Institute in the provision of the sustainability part of the curriculum.
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